Word on the Street: Alumni Updates 2020

Arnold Adler ( B. A., Journalism, c/o 1977): After 67 years as a newspaper reporter, a retired Arnold continues to work as a freelance writer for Wave Newspapers in Los Angeles. He was employed by the Huron Daily Tribune in Bad Axe, Michigan, 1953-1966; Daily Tribune in Royal Oak, Michigan, 1967-1977; wrote various weekly papers in the Los Angeles area, starting with Wave in 1985 until retirement in August, 2017. He has been married for 53 years to Roberta S. Adler, a 1973 graduate with a B.A. degree in music, concentrated in Music Therapy. He has one daughter and two granddaughters.

Sadaf Ali (Ph.D., 2015): Sadaf is an Associate Professor at EMU, as well as an Area Head, where she teaches in the field of Digital Media and Journalism.

Darnell Anderson (B.A. Interdisciplinary Studies, M.A. Counseling, Ph.D. Rhetoric and Interpersonal Communication): Darnell is currently an Adjunct instructor at Wayne State University, Henry Ford College, Baker College, South University, University of Phoenix, Arts Institute of Michigan, and Washtenaw Community College. He has also been a Licensed Professional Counselor and Rehabilitation Counselor in the state of Michigan for 30 years now.

Zoila Brown: Since graduating from Wayne State University, Zoila has enjoyed a long career starting in radio at WJLB and has worked in the health care communications field for decades. Her husband of 35 years, who she met at WAYN radio, is also a Wayne State graduate and has worked in the automotive advertising field. They moved to California for 10 years but have since returned back to Metro Detroit two years ago. " Wayne State University will always hold a special place in our heart as a university where we met treasured friends that have become highly successful and a place that prepares you for real word experience".

James Cnockaert (B.A. Journalism): James has worked for more than 30 years as a reporter and editor at newspapers in Michigan, Washington, Montana and Virginia. His longest stint was 18 years as a sports reporter for The Ann Arbor News that includes 12 years as the beat writer covering University of Michigan football. He joined MXI Environmental Services in 2013 as an administrative assistant, and has been the executive administrator at Dynamic Recycling LLC in Bristol, Tenn., since 2015.

Ava Frakes (B.A., Public Relations): Ava is an experienced public relations specialist and storyteller currently based in Detroit, MI. After graduating from Wayne State in 2015, she began her PR/communications career in health care, followed by a two-year stint in Washington, D.C. where she worked at CropLife America, an agri-business / lobbying association on the communications team. While there, she was involved with assisting in advocacy and grassroots initiatives, and planned events on Capitol Hill.
She moved back to the Detroit area and 2019 to join the fast-paced PR "agency life," as an account executive, and now, a Senior Account Executive at Stratacomm, a full-service PR agency with offices in Detroit and DC. Ava continues to build upon a diverse portfolio of clientele and outreach to new, developing audiences. She has led research, editorial and copy-writing services, crisis management strategy, and both digital and traditional media relations programs. Industries she's worked in include automotive technology companies, real estate, manufacturing, cannabis, retail, finance, and even video games. Ava also has notable experience in executing proactive media campaigns with controversial narratives for non-profits, associations and one of the world's largest corporate IPOs.
Ava has recently joined the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) Capital Region Capital Region which serves and empowers Filipinx-Americans across DC, MD, VA, & WV through collaboration, leadership development, civic engagement, and advocacy as Director of Communications. She will oversee all external marketing, communications and social media for the chapter. In the evenings / weekends, she often dedicates time to helping friends with Pro Bono projects, local events and other PR needs.
You can reach her at the following emails:
Stratacomm: afrakes@stratacomm.net
NaFFAA (we're looking for a social media coordinator!): ava.frakes@naffaa.org
Freelance/Pro Bono work: prandprose@avafrakes.com

David Gilchrist (B.A., Public Relations) Since graduating from Wayne State, David relocated to Florida in 2000 where he is currently Senior Associate of Corporate Affairs for biotech company Amgen at their Capability Center in Tampa, FL.

LaTonya Henry: As Lead Public Relations Manager, LaTonya has led integrated communication for the AT&T Discovery District, a new $100M headquarters and dining and entertainment campus in downtown Dallas, TX.

Jenna Huff (B.A. Communication): Jenna is a former reporter turned manager that is now the News Director of WANE 15 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where she is always looking to hire journalism students.

Tiffany Jones (B.A., Journalism): Tiffany is currently teaching from the comfort of her home and she feels that teaching kiddos from behind a screen is sad for her and them. She advises, "while we are on this journey please pray for teachers and support staff everywhere because we are doing the best we can!!! I hope everyone is staying safe!"

Zak Kareem (B.A.) Zak Kareem has recently registered his company DarkChapter Studios LLC 2008 as an MBE and SBA. Zak has completed a music video titled STAND with David Ranier and Jon Connor talking about the social injustice and racism in today's social climate during COVID-19 pandemic. Zak Kareem also started an ad agency called Kreative Color agency specializing in multicultural advertising for "cultured audiences".

Sarah Leeper (B.A., Communication) Sarah and her fiancé are both alumni of Wayne State University's College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts, Sarah in the Public Relations program and him the Film program with a minor in History. They engaged last November and plan to get married in June of 2021, if COVID-19 allows! They've spent most of their relationship getting to know each other while attending Wayne State's campus. She has attended many of his on-campus film debuts and behind-the-scenes shoots. They were also able to attend each other's graduation ceremonies, hers at the new and exciting beginning of their relationship at Ford Field, and his at the Fox Theater just shortly after getting engaged. They will always look back at their time together at WSU fondly and are proud Warriors today!

Melody Moore (B.A., Journalism) After working in the media and running a PR company for several years, Melody became an English teacher in Detroit. Now, she is the Dean of Students at Hope of Detroit Academy Middle/High School in Southwest Detroit, where she provides support on student relations issues, behavioral and discipline concerns, and college and career access. She has a Master's in Special Education and is currently working toward a doctorate degree.

Pamela Schultz (Ph.D.) Since 1992, Pamela has been a Professor of Communication Studies and Director for the Communication Studies program at Alfred University.